WINTER MANAGEMENT. 145 



CHAPTER XIV. 



ON THE WINTER MANAGEMENT OF THE VINE. 



December 1st. The winter being the proper time 

 to manure the border, let it now be lightly forked up, 

 and a good coating of manure laid over it about six 

 inches deep, which will answer the two-fold purpose 

 of enriching the border, and protecting the roots of the 

 vine. It has been already stated, that, after a vine 

 has been planted a few years, its roots will make their 

 way up to the surface, if the border be not disturbed 

 by cropping or digging ; but it is necessary to observe, 

 that when they are so situated, their tender fibres will 

 inevitably perish, unless protected from severe weather, 

 during the depth of the winter. To prevent this, there- 

 fore, and also to keep the roots as warm as possible, 

 the border should be covered over through this month, 

 and the two following ones. For this purpose, long stable 

 manure about half made is the most suitable, as, from 

 its spirituous nature, it will keep the soil warmer, and 

 more effectually resist the frost and other unfavourable 

 atmospheric changes, than any other description of 

 manure. If this, however, cannot conveniently be pro- 

 cured, the next best covering is that of dead leaves, 

 which, after they are decomposed, form a vegetable 

 manure of the most fertilizing description. But if 

 these cannot be obtained, any of the manures men- 

 tioned as fit for top-dressing, (page 62,) may be sub- 

 stituted. It must be observed, that, as the roots re- 

 quire to be kept as dry as possible in the winter, liquid 

 manure should be used very sparingly during that 

 period. 



